The New Year is upon us, and for many resolutions will be set and abandoned within the first 8 weeks of the year. Those resolutions were more than likely set to achieve some level of happiness – financial, physical or emotional.

THIS year, let’s quit some stuff in order to move towards happiness rather than adding, abandoning and then feeling the subsequent self-loathing for lack of achievement. Just QUIT the following:

Comparing. Comparison is the thief of joy. It truly is. And let’s be honest, we really don’t know the whole story when we are viewing snapshots of vacations or parties that we see on social media. The picture that you see may have been preceded by devastating news or an argument. Stay in your own lane. Get clear on what you really want and chase that.

Expectations of Others. “Expectations are a down payment on future resentments.” The bar you set for yourself is for YOU. Placing that same bar for others is a really quick way to get frustrated and disappointed. People have different values and place importance on different virtues. Being on time, for instance, is NOT important to some people. If it is to you, be on time. If your BFF is chronically late, tell her to meet you 15 minutes early. Problem solved.

Controlling Behavior. Listen, you only have control over you and your behavior, reactions and responses. You have control over the process but not the outcome. And here’s the truth…sometimes, you miss the TRUE outcome, the BETTER outcome because you were too busy trying to manipulate the outcome you THOUGHT you wanted. Let it go. Do your best. Put one foot in front of the other, do the next right thing… the outcome will sort itself out.

Approval of Others. You don’t need it. You are an adult and are capable of writing your own permission slips. Life is short and you are allowed to do, think and feel what is best for YOUR Soul. This doesn’t mean you are selfish and don’t think of others, it means YOU COUNT. Remember, you are not responsible for other people’s reactions to your decisions. You are only responsible for how you impart and implement your own desires.

Your Limiting Beliefs. You are amazing! Take a moment to write down all that you have achieved. Really. Do it. If you are more than 2 years old, you have achieved a LOT. Write down the things that you think you should just “blow off”; learning to walk, read, write. It’s a big deal. Continue to be a student. When you think that you can’t do something, add the word “yet.” It changes everything.

It’s 2019 and it is going to be an amazing year. You will be challenged, there will be change, there will be joy, love, loss, excitement and fear. It’s all happening. Some of it you will like and some of it you won’t. How you navigate and respond to it all will shape your year. So, CHEERS to YOU, the New Year and QUITTING!

Jen Yockey is the owner of Gather, a movement and wellness studio, and founder of the Recover You™ Program. She is a certified yoga instructor and master life coach and can be reached at (760) 219.7953, [email protected] or jenyockey.com.